The Inter Livery Swimathon, first conceived more than 25 years ago, was held at its usual venue, RAC Epsom, on 2 March.
The Inter Livery Swimathon, first conceived more than 25 years ago, was held at its usual venue, RAC Epsom, on 2 March. This event is described as "a fundraiser, not a competition" and a number of Livery Companies enter a swimming team. Each team, generally made up of five swimmers, must swim 5,000 metres in two and a half hours. Regular participants, the Worshipful Company of Actuaries (WCA) team was slightly down in strength of numbers this year, with four swimmers: Sally Bridgeland (current Master), Petrea Simmons, who has been the organiser for the past few years, plus regular swimmers Bill Harris and Jay Stewart. The Master said: "It was a great example of Livery companies enjoying some friendly rivalry, competing in the task of swimming and raising money for charity." She admitted that Petrea, Bill and Jay did the lion's share but she was "delighted to be part of it, and my son Colin was a very keen coach supporting from poolside".
The main recipient of donations in respect of the WCA team was the Company of Actuaries' Charitable Trust - more than £1,000 was raised. In addition, sponsorship was raised for the Lord Mayor's Appeal 2017, which this year focused on music charities. The swim was followed by a dinner at the RAC Club, Petrea, Bill and Jay are shown (above) enjoying the well-earned reward.
